World Vegan Day is celebrated by vegans around the world on November 1. This annual observance was established in 1994 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of The Vegan Society based in the United Kingdom.

The Vegan Society was established in November 1994 by the animal rights activist Donald Watson. Watson coined the term “vegan” to stand for vegetarians who ate no diary products and eggs. In a broader sense, veganism is a way of living that excludes all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals.

World Vegan Day was created by Louise Wallis, president of the Society, in 1994. The date of November 1 was chosen for its symbolism. Wallis knew that the Society had been founded in November 1944, but she did not know the exact date. She decided to choose November 1 because it coincided with Halloween/Samhain and the Day of the Dead, holidays that traditionally involve feasting.

World Vegan Day aims at promoting animal rights and raising awareness of the exploitation of animals for food, clothing, entertainment, and other purposes. Events held on the occasion include, but are not limited to, awareness campaigns, educational events, vegan friendly potluck events, giving away vegan foods, etc. Every year, more cities across the world join the campaign.